Foldable, stand-alone mattress with internal spring system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable beds face challenges in maintaining comfort and space efficiency due to the need for a thick, firm mattress, which is difficult to fold and requires additional storage space, and existing internal spring systems tend to collapse or require external support in the open position.
Innovation Solution
A foldable mattress with a movable extender assembly and transition sections supported by a sub-frame with pivotably interconnected frame portions and yieldable elements, allowing the mattress to compactly store and maintain vertical stability without external support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick, firm mattress is used for maximum sleeping comfort, then sleeping comfort is improved, but the mattress becomes difficult to fold and requires deeper cabinet space for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple sections that can be folded relative to each other. The internal spring system is segmented into multiple spring sections that can be folded independently, allowing the mattress to be compacted for storage while maintaining the full thickness and firmness when deployed for sleeping.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress transitions from a static, fixed-thickness structure to a dynamic, foldable structure. The spring system allows the mattress to change its configuration between a deployed state (providing full thickness and support) and a folded state (reducing storage space), making the volume adaptable to different operational requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If a thin, foldable, soft mattress is used to meet space and style requirements, then storage space and aesthetics are improved, but sleeping comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple sections that can be folded relative to each other. The internal spring system is segmented into multiple spring sections that can be folded independently, allowing the mattress to be compacted for storage while maintaining the full thickness and firmness when deployed for sleeping.
Solution Approach 2:
The mattress transitions from a static, fixed-thickness structure to a dynamic, foldable structure. The spring system allows the mattress to change its configuration between a deployed state (providing full thickness and support) and a folded state (reducing storage space), making the volume adaptable to different operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sinuous springs are used to enable folding, then foldability is improved, but the mattress tends to collapse in the open position requiring external support
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is divided into multiple spring sections, each capable of independent folding action. This segmentation allows each section to maintain its structural integrity during folding while collectively providing stable support when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system is designed to be self-supporting in the deployed position without requiring external anchoring or webbing straps. The sinuous springs inherently provide the necessary vertical stability and support for the mattress in the open position through their elastic properties and geometric configuration.
4Ease of manufacture
If the upper and lower grids have the same length, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the upper grid shifts forward during folding increasing storage space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower grids are designed with different lengths, creating an asymmetric configuration. The upper grid is shorter than the lower grid, which prevents the upper grid from shifting forward during the folding operation. This asymmetric design ensures that the forward edge of the upper grid remains aligned with the forward edge of the lower grid throughout the folding motion, optimizing storage space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures the mattress can be compactly stored without increasing storage space and maintains vertical stability in the open position, providing reliable support at the edges and preventing sagging.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sinuous springs, each pivotably connected at its upper and lower ends to the upper and lower grids for movement between an open or body-supporting position in which the user may, for example, lie down on the mattress for sleeping
Implementation Method 2
a pair of pivotably interconnected frame portions and yieldable elements
Data Source
AI summary
An internal spring system resiliently supports a mattress in an item of furniture. The spring system includes a system of sinuous springs arranged between upper and lower wire grids. A movable extender assembly is mounted on the grids to accommodate a longitudinal shift between the upper and lower grids during folding of the spring system between open and closed positions.